"I can't", I complain. "If I move over any more I'll fall off the couch! Besides, I'm too tired to move at all right now!"

"I know that. That's why I want you to move over. Right now! Right this minute! Move, child!"

I know this voice. I know what He means. It has nothing to do with the physical act of moving my tired self over on the couch.

"You're in My way," He says gently, nudging me.

I sigh. Who wants to argue with the Truth? "I know I am." I concede. I'm such a big baby sometimes.

"For months now, you've been trying to do My job," He continues.

"I know."

"Your mind hasn't been stayed on Me, so I've been unable to provide you the perfect peace I promised you."

There is such love in that voice. Such truth. I feel my insides begin to unclench, unwind. Relax.

"I know," I agree. It's all my fault.

"You've been running all around, here and there, trying to do everything all by yourself. You've been trying to work without Me."

All I can do is agree. "I know."

"You felt like you were bothering Me too much so you stopped asking Me for help. Silly girl, don't you know by now that you could never be a bother to Me? I love you! You're not designed to work without Me!"

I gulp, realizing the futility of it all and my own stupidity in those acts. "I know," I whisper, thoroughly ashamed of myself.

"I want to stay here with you. I want you to ask me for anything and everything," Jesus tells me. "You've just got to get out of my way!"

I nod, unable to speak. Somehow, I know I don't have to speak anyway.

"You don't have to 'do it all' alone. In fact, you really don't have to do a thing. Just move over, and let Me!" Jesus says. "I'll do everything, if you'll just trust in Me."

The floodgates open. "It never ends!" I whine. "I clean up-they mess up! I work hard but the money's gone before I even get it!" On and on I whine about everything, and He patiently listens.

"Yes, you're laboring under a heavy load, child, as are so many of my children. But you don't have to! Step aside! Let me do the 'worrying' for you," Jesus says when I have paused to take a breath.

Jesus shakes His head. "You left me out by not asking for my help. Can I come back in now and help you sort things out?"

Oh, the sweet release. I nod.

Jesus smiles at me. "Okay then. Lay it all down right here," and He is holding out His hands, "and move over so I can work!"

I am cradled in His warmth. "Stay close to me. Don't wander off on your own again. I miss you when you're gone!," He reminds me.

I sigh, the tight knot of unease finally uncoiled within me as I cast all my cares upon Him and feel His love washing over and through me.

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ--Get out of Jesus' way so He can work. He's your friend. Don't shut Him out!